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Origin and meaning of the name Macias

What is the origin of the name Macias?

Last updated : 15 June 2025

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Macias is a Spanish and Portuguese given name that is derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el (Michael). It is popular in countries where these languages are spoken, particularly Spain and Portugal, as well as their forme…

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Macias

The name Macias is of Hebrew and Spanish origin, with different meanings in each culture. In Hebrew, it is derived from the name Mikha (Michael), which means "who is like God?" or "the one who resembles God." This name was popularized by the biblical figure Archangel Michael. In Spanish, Macias is a variant of Matías, derived from the Hebrew Mattithyahu, meaning "gift of God" or "God's gift." It was brought to Spain by Jewish settlers during the Middle Ages and later adopted by Christians. The name has been popular in both cultures throughout history, reflecting the respect for divine power and the value placed on gifts from God.

Character traits associated with the name Macias

Macias, a name of Basque origin, is often associated with individuals who embody strength, determination, and resilience. These qualities are likely derived from the historical context of the Basque people, who have long been known for their unwavering spirit and independence. Macias individuals may also demonstrate intelligence, resourcefulness, and a strong sense of family loyalty. They tend to be adaptable, able to navigate complex situations with ease and grace. Additionally, they are typically open-minded, embracing new ideas and cultures with curiosity. However, Macias can also display a fiery temper and stubbornness when faced with injustice or disagreement, reflecting the passion that defines this name. Overall, Macias is a strong, adaptable, and intelligent name that embodies the spirit of perseverance and independence.

Popularity of the name Macias

The name Macias is relatively uncommon in global context, as it is primarily associated with Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and Latin America. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Macias ranked at number 8,462 among boy names in 2020, suggesting a limited presence in the United States. The name's popularity may vary across different regions due to cultural and historical factors; however, it remains generally less common compared to other traditional Spanish names like Juan, José, or Diego. In Spain, Macias is more frequently found as a surname rather than a given name. Despite its limited popularity, the name Macias carries a unique charm and rich heritage for those who bear it.

Famous people with the name Macias

Macias is a surname less commonly used as a given name, but notable individuals bearing the mononym Macias include:

1. Macias Nguema Biyogong (Equatorial Guinea), the first President of Equatorial Guinea, who ruled from 1968 to 1979. His regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses and economic mismanagement.

2. Macías Nguema Oyana (Equatorial Guinea), son of the above-mentioned President, who served as Minister of National Defense during his father's rule before being executed in 1979 for plotting a coup against him.

3. Macias Tumiusimbabwe (Rwanda), a Rwandan soldier and politician who played a key role in the overthrow of the Hutu regime during the Rwandan Genocide, eventually becoming Minister of Defense.

4. José Luis Macías Becerra (Mexico), a Mexican former footballer who won the FIFA World Youth Championship with Mexico in 1983 and played professionally for several clubs in Mexico and Spain.

Variations of the name Macias

The name Macias has multiple variations across different languages and cultures. In Spanish, it is commonly spelled as Macías, with an 's' at the end, but can also be found as Maciàs or Maciás without the final 's'. In Portuguese, it is typically spelled as MACIAS, but in some regions, it may appear as Maciás or Maciá. In Catalan, the name is often written as Macià or Macias, and in Galician, it can be found as Maciño or Macías. Variations in other languages include Maxis (Greek), Makkia (Hebrew), and Maksims (Latvian). These variations reflect the diversity of cultures where the name has been passed down through generations.

Sources & References

About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated : 15 June 2025

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